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Suspension Trainer Oblique Crunch

Intermediate
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Suspension trainer exercise that targets the obliques and abs to build rotational strength and core stability; commonly used to enhance coordination and sports performance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Suspension Trainer

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques, Abs

Secondary Muscles

Hip Flexors, Shoulders

Accessory Muscles

Lower Back

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Stability
Conditioning
Strength

Training Style

Functional Training
Calisthenics

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Obliques

10/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Abs

8/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Hip Flexors

4/10

Iliopsoas

Shoulders

3/10

Anterior Delts

Lower Back

2/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Adjust straps to mid-calf length. Place feet in cradles and assume a high plank position with hands stacked directly under shoulders and body in a straight line.

  1. Brace core and lift hips slightly.
  2. Draw both knees toward the right elbow.
  3. Contract obliques to rotate the hips.
  4. Extend legs back to the starting plank position.
  5. Repeat the movement toward the left elbow.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Knees to elbow
  • Push floor away
  • Hips level
  • Control the return
  • Keep arms straight

Breathing

Exhale as you drive knees toward the elbow; inhale as you return to the plank position.

Tempo

1-0-2

Range of Motion

From full plank extension to knees near the elbow with visible hip rotation.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure anchor point is secure
  • Stop if you feel sharp lower back pain
  • Maintain shoulder stability throughout

Spotting

Not recommended; ensure the suspension trainer is anchored securely.

Common Mistakes

  • Sagging hips
  • Rushing the movement
  • Bending elbows
  • Excessive momentum
  • Rounding lower back

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Disc issues
  • Severe wrist pain
  • Shoulder instability
  • Recent abdominal surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Ability to hold plank 60 seconds
  • Shoulder flexion for plank stability
  • Hip mobility for knee draw

Build Up First

  • Master standard plank
  • TRX knee tuck proficiency
  • Basic core engagement control

Also known as

TRX Side Crunch, Suspension Side Crunch, TRX Rotational Crunch, Suspension Knee Tuck Twist, TRX Oblique Crunch

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